Kevin Mannix, of the Boston Herald, reports after finishing the 2002 season ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing defense, the New England Patriots No.1 goal this season was stopping the run. By giving up only 19 yards on 14 carries to the New York Giants during the team's pre-season opener, the Patriots took their first step towards accomplishing their goal. After reviewing the game film, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick called the performance "certainly adequate," while praising the play of NT Rick Lyle, who is playing NT for the first time in his ten-year career. ``Rick has experience in the system and even though he hasn't played on the center for a lot of snaps, the fundamentals and the techniques that he uses, they are ones he is very experienced in," said Belichick.

According to Patriots.com, New England Patriots DL Rick Lyle will start for the team at nose tackle during the team's pre-season opener against the New York Giants August 8. Lyle replaces DL Jarvis Green in the starting lineup. "I've been getting some reps at nose," Lyle said. "There's a saying in this business: The more you can do the more valuable you are."

J.P. Pelzman reports for the Bergen Record, as an update to a previous story, the New York Jets do plan to use DE John Abraham (groin) mostly in the nickel package, although coach Herman Edwards added, "That decision might change Sunday morning depending on how he feels." DE Rick Lyle will likely start, with Eric Ogbogu also in the mix. Abraham said he would consider removing himself from the game if "I don't feel I can contribute." Abraham received further treatment after practice and will get more tomorrow.

The NY Times reports New York Jets DE John Abraham (groin) missed practice today. If he does not play Sunday against Buffalo, either Rick Lyle or Eric Ogbogu will start. CB Aaron Glenn (knee) was limited in practice, but as reported earlier he is expected to play Sunday. According to coach Herman Edwards, rookie WR Santana Moss will probably get more plays. The Jets may continue to use Moss on punt returns when the opponent is backed up.

New York Jets head coach Herman Edwards said CB Aaron Glenn (knee) is definitely out this weekend. There's some damage to his MCL and Edwards said it could be a 1 to 2 week issue or a 3 to 4 week situation. The team is just going to take it week-to-week right now to see how his injured knee responds. CB Ray Mickens (sprained ankle) is day-to-day but is expected to play, as is DL Rick Lyle (calf).

The NY Times reports New York Jets DE Shaun Ellis (hip) did not practice Thursday, but Coach Herman Edwards hopes he can practice on Friday. He remains questionable for Sunday's game. DL Rick Lyle broke his nose in practice on Wednesday, but he practiced Thursday. Rookie WR Santana Moss ran on grass for the first time Wednesday, but there is still no timetable for his return.

The Bergen Record reports the New York Jets will make some changes on the defensive line this weekend. Shaun Ellis will move back outside to defensive end, while the team will start Steve Martin and Tom Barndt at defensive tackle. DT James Reed will now be the top backup at defensive tackle, after serving as a starter in the season opener. DE Rick Lyle, who also started in week one, will serve as the backup to Ellis.

The Bergen Record's Randy Lange reports agent Jim Steiner confirmed one of the teams he has talked to about trading for his client, WR Jerry Rice, is the New York Jets. The Jets are not alone in their interest. Detroit, Carolina, Oakland, Seattle, and Cleveland are other teams that have reportedly expressed some interest in the veteran WR. Player trades can't be made until March 2, but Steiner said Rice's situation may have to wait until June given the 49ers cap situation. Steiner said the Jets haven't discussed re-signing DE Rick Lyle, soon to be an unrestricted free agent with him. Steiner also said PK John Hall, still under contract, "could be back" with the Jets this off-season. Their other PK, Brett Conway, is not under contract.

The NY Times reports after the re-signing of LBs Bryan Cox and Mo Lewis on Tuesday, New York Jets coach Al Groh said that the remaining unrestricted free agents will probably not be offered contracts before the free-agency signing period in March. They are: DL Jason Ferguson, WR Dedric Ward, DL Rick Lyle, S Chris Hayes and WR/KR Dwight Stone. Lyle's agent and the team have talked, and Lyle said he would like to sign with the Jets. Groh was noncommittal about PK John Hall's future. Hall is under contract, but it seems most unlikely that he will be back after being replaced by Brett Conway for the final game. The Jets will have the 19th selection in the first round of the April NFL draft.

The New York Daily News reports rookie DE Shaun Ellis, a first-round selection this year, will now be forced into full-time action as the Jets will be without DE Rick Lyle (broken leg) for the remainder of the season.